Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to submissions by service providers anxious to become involved in the more rapid roll out of broadband services throughout the country; the number of such expressions of interest to which his attention has been drawn; the possible obstacles to such proposals; if he intends to make specific policy directives in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20048/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the submissions by service providers anxious to get involved in the more rapid roll out of broadband services throughout the country; the number of such expressions of interest of which his attention has been drawn; the possible obstacles to such proposals; if he intends to make specific policy directives in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20347/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 215 together.

The telecommunications sector is fully liberalised, and regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

With the repeal of section 111 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983 on 25 July 2003, it is no longer necessary to obtain a licence before providing telecommunications networks and services, including broadband. Instead, there is a general entitlement to provide electronic networks and-or services subject to compliance with standard conditions set out in a general authorisation.

Before providing networks or services to third parties operators are required to submit a notification to ComReg for the purposes of compiling a register of such operators.

ComReg's register of authorised undertakings currently lists 169 service providers offering Internet access using a variety of technologies including DSL, fixed wireless, cable modem, fibre, leased lines and satellite technology.

In March 2004 my predecessor issued a number of policy directions to ComReg relating to competition, broadband, wholesale and retail line rental, interconnection-leased lines, and national and cross-border roaming.